The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2007 came to an end yesterday at the SAS Radisson Baypoint Resort in St Julian’s with the prize-giving ceremony.

In a short speech, Georges Bonello DuPuis, the Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore, said this year’s event constituted another historical moment as the course record had been broken again after seven years.

It was Rambler, owned by George David, which broke Zephyrus IV’s record of 2000. Bonello DuPuis said the new record of 47 hours, 55 minutes and three seconds is expected to stand for several years.

He congratulated the winners in all the categories and thanked all those who had entered to take part in the race, especially those who had managed to finish. He also made a special mention of the strong winds which characterised this year’s event. “You all made it one of the best,” he said.

He also thanked all those who collaborated in making this event a memorable one. These included the Grand Harbour Marina, Camper & Nicholsons for hosting the boats and Rolex of Geneva, the main sponsors, referring to them as a prominent group with which the club had established an undertaking of cooperation. “Without their help, it would not be possible to stage such a grand event,” he said.

He concluded his speech by saying that next year’s event would be the 40th anniversary and the club was looking forward to another successful event.

Apart from George David, who was present for the ceremony, despite that Rambler had entered harbour last Tuesday, a good round of applause was reserved for Arthur Podesta and his crew who guided Elusive home, thus becoming the first Maltese boat in.

Another grand applause was reserved for the two Italians who, thanks to the Italian Air Force helicopter, rescued the crew of Australian boat Loki off the tip of Palermo. They were Giandavide Guadalupe, the pilot, and Rodolfo Raiteri, from the Coast Guard of Palermo. David Farrugia, Vice Commodore of the RMYC, presented them with a special trophy for their highly appreciated assistance.

In a short speech after the presentation ceremony, the owner of Rambler, George David, told the audience it had been an amazing race. “Without the wind and the competitors, it would not have been possible to break the record. But the 45 knot-breeze made it possible. It was a good time to remember for all of us. We thank everyone for the hospitality and cooperation. It was a wonderful event. We hope to be back soon,” he said.

Rambler won Line Honours and was the overall winner of the race, apart from having established a new course record.